By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced the cancellation of winning bonuses for members of the Black Stars Management Committee and other national team management structures, as part of a new policy direction to cut costs and prioritize players’ welfare.
In a media briefing, the Minister for Youth and Sports,Kofi Adams, disclosed that while players of the Black Stars will continue to receive winning bonuses, management members will no longer benefit from such packages.
According to the Minister, the Ministry had initially budgeted $1 million per game for the Black Stars, but eventually approved $1.3 million to cover two matches in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Under the revised arrangement, each player of the Black Stars will be entitled to a $5,000 winning bonus, while the previously budgeted $10,000 bonus for management committee members has been scrapped.
The Black Stars Management Committee, chaired by Dr. Randy Abbey, with former national team captain Stephen Appiah serving as Vice President, will therefore no longer receive bonuses linked to match outcomes.
Mr Kofi Adams explained that the decision is intended to channel resources directly toward the players who take to the pitch, while ensuring fiscal discipline in the Ministry’s operations. He emphasized that management teams are expected to provide strategic and administrative support, rather than be direct financial beneficiaries of on-field results.
The new policy comes ahead of Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali. The Black Stars will face Chad on September 4, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Mali on September 8 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The move has sparked debate within football circles, with some observers praising the government for prioritizing players, while others argue that management officials also invest time and resources that warrant recognition.
As the qualifiers approach, attention now shifts to whether the Black Stars can deliver on the pitch under the new incentive structure, with fans hopeful that the focus on players’ welfare will boost morale and performance.
RELATED
Government approves $856,890 budget for Black Stars’ World Cup qualifier against Chad
